Synergy at work

Tengtou's strategy of making tourism and environmental protection mutually beneficial is one of the unique draws of the village. The village is driven by a combination of clean energy and raw manpower.

Many of the village's agricultural and production practices are designed to make life easier, but not in a way that harms the environment. Power is clean and recyclable; farming employs crop rotation and other techniques; cultural relics are well preserved; and tourists even help grow flowers, fruits and trees in the village.

A highlight for visitors to Tengtou is the experience of seeing and taking part in rural production methods, such as spinning yarn, weaving cloth and milling and hulling rice. The merits of these century-old production methods are now valued again in an era when sustainable development is highly emphasized.

Waterwheels are especially popular among visitors who love to get close to nature. Installed on a stream running through the village, several kinds of waterwheels help irrigate fields alongside the stream. It is not an easy job to get the wheel to run – people are required to keep the wheel turning.

Milling rice is not only an opportunity for visitors to see how food was processed in the past, but also a chance to make (and enjoy) rice pudding. This slightly sweet dessert has been enjoyed in the area for thousands of years.

Modern agricultural techniques are employed in the village, but many go unseen. For example, crop rotation and other modern techniques ensure there is always fresh produce in the village. Bananas, roses, grapes, chrysanthemum pears and peaches – all are abundant in Tengtou.

Everyone's a winner

The development of Tengtou has not only improved the village, but also improved the lives of its people. In the last decade, the village has constructed a new culture center, library, art gallery and basketball arena.

The senior villagers exercise to keep fit.

The village established a scholarship fund in 1989 to reward excellent students. This move has created an environment that values knowledge and education in the village. Villagers enrolled in universities are each awarded anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 yuan (about $295-1,470). So far, the village has produced 68 undergraduate students, six graduate students and two post-doctoral students.

The village also has a pension system and medical-care program, as well as property and personal insurance programs. These options provide all-around insurance coverage for the people of Tengtou.

The villagers are enjoying their improved lives.